Whitey: United States of America v. James J. Bulger
Seen it?2014 | 107 min | Crime, Documentary
Sunday Safe Betearly ratingWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (80% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a box office flop and almost no lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for crime fans and the curious. If you loved The Silence of the Lambs or Citizenfour, start here.
- The mood
- Gritty, eye-opening.
- The pace
- Moves along nicely, at 1 hr 47 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
A documentary that captures the sensational trial of infamous gangster James 'Whitey' Bulger, using the legal proceedings as a springboard to explore allegations of corruption within the highest levels of law enforcement. Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Joe Berlinger examines Bulger's relationship with the FBI and Department of Justice that allowed him to reign over a criminal empire in Boston for decades.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
80% on Rotten Tomatoes, 71 on Metacritic
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Reach & staying powerWeak
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far
- Buzz & cultural impactWeak
About 5K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Joe Berlinger
- Stephen RakesBulger Extortion Victim
- James 'Whitey' BulgerDefendent
- Tommy DonahueSon of Victim Michael Donahue
- David BoeriWBUR Senior Reporter